New Zealand v Australia: James Pattinson insists he is ready for Tests despite early Shield exit

James Pattinson is adamant bowling only 39.3 overs in the past five weeks, the same as he managed in three days when he played his last full match, is enough for him to be ready to face New Zealand next week.

The theory floated a week ago by Australia captain Steve Smith that Pattinson would play only half a match in his return from persistent shin soreness was vindicated after Cricket Australia withdrew him after day two of Victoria's Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania.

Well rested: James Pattinson is ready to face New Zealand.Credit:Getty Images

Because rain ruined the Sydney Test, the last time the 25-year-old had a full workload across two innings came against the West Indies at the MCG.

Against Tasmania, Pattinson bowled 13.3 overs across four spells on day one. On day two he bowled eight across two spells - but was comfortably more impressive, and faster, in those than in all of the first innings.

Advertisement

"I was a bit rusty early on, but then I hit my straps in the second innings so I'm feeling good," Pattinson said on Friday. "It's good to get over there a bit early and adapt to the conditions. I think that will all help."

Pattinson conceded his shin soreness had become increasingly worse throughout this season, resulting in his break of just over three weeks between the SCG Test and his comeback in the shield. But he pointed out that was much better than an extended period out with another back injury.

"We've played on some pretty hard wickets. It just got a little bit worse than I thought it would, so it was just a bit of a rest [needed]. Two weeks, not long. It is probably better than my usual rest of six months, which is good. I'm getting better," he said.

"I had no problem bowling there after not really having much bowling leading into it. I'm really happy with the way my body has pulled up."

Pattinson said he had not been told of the plan for him to be withdrawn from the shield game until it happened, and took that as a sign that "the selectors and the medical staff are pretty happy with where I'm at". Selector Mark Waugh is attending the shield match.

Given Pattinson has never played in New Zealand, and did not have the benefit of playing in either the one-day series or the New South Wales-Western Australia shield match, he said he appreciated the opportunity to arrive ahead of schedule to start getting used to conditions. He said scouting the Black Caps' most recent home Test series had been encouraging.

"Watching a few of the Tests against Sri Lanka they had a few bowlers that hit the deck quite hard there and got some success," he said. "I think it's one of those places that if you bowl in the right areas consistently you can get good reward."

Since Australia and New Zealand duelled earlier this summer Australia's Mitch Starc has been sidelined by injury, while the Black Caps' best bowler, Trent Boult, is in much better physical condition. Boult came into the series in Australia with only a small workload behind him after a back injury.

Pattinson hoped to, if chosen, be able to perform a similar role to what Starc did against the Black Caps.

"Obviously with a little bit of extra pace it does help. That's always been my go, with a little bit of extra pace to try and take wickets. If I get the opportunity I'll be definitely trying to do that," he said.

Besides teammate Peter Siddle, who has been the stand-out bowler at the MCG, Pattinson praised the two other pacemen in the squad yet to leave Australia - Chadd Sayers and Jackson Bird.

"Obviously we've got some great bowlers. It's great to see Chadd Sayers in after performing really well in domestic cricket for the past few years, and Jackson Bird obviously is a class bowler and I'm sure the conditions will suit him really well," he said.

"We've got some great bowlers for the conditions. It's going to be pretty tough to get in the squad, but I'll be over there early and trying to prove a point."

Jesse Hogan has been a reporter at The Age since 2004, and has been part of its sports department since 2008. He is primarily focused on cricket and has covered a number of the Australian team's overseas tours, including the 2011 World Cup. He also reports on AFL and soccer.